Arturia Lab Range Buying Guide

For decades, Arturia has stationed itself at the bleeding edge of sound exploration and innovation. The company has made a name for itself thanks to advanced software re-creations of some of the world’s most famous synthesizers. But Arturia hasn’t stopped there. With the Lab range, Arturia offers both advanced software tools and intuitive DAW-integrated keyboard controllers in a single product lineup.

Introducing the Lab Range

Today’s Lab range bridges the gap between software and hardware to help music makers easily achieve results. It’s chock-full of component-accurate software emulations, cutting-edge soft synths, sound design tools, and controllers that fit every musical style, workflow, and budget.

Unique technology

Exclusive TAE and Phi modeling technologies are the secret ingredients that make Arturia’s synth sounds so beloved by music makers. These technologies allow Lab range products to mimic the circuitry, analog sound, and physical behavior of some of the most iconic instruments in history.

Seamless integration

Whether you’re working in your bedroom, in a fully fledged studio, or onstage in front of a crowd, Arturia makes it easy to combine software with hardware. You’ll enjoy the complete flexibility of soft synths with a hardware keyboard’s satisfying tactility and improved connectivity. Lab range keyboards give you the freedom to work however you want, whether that’s controlling your DAW or a modular synth rig.

Expressive and customizable

The Lab range is the perfect way to unleash your creativity. Every offering in the range is purpose-built for effortless expression, dynamic performances, and real-time control over your sound, so you can reach your true potential.

Amazing sounds

Arturia supplied the Lab range with a wide variety of sounds, so you can get the ideal sound in mere seconds. The company worked with hundreds of elite sound designers and world-class artists, harnessed their passion and skills, and distilled it into tens of thousands of unique presets for every music maker.

Arturia Lab Range Software

Arturia’s Lab software collection truly has something for everyone. The Lab range includes the following software titles: V Collection, the Augmented Series, and Pigments. Beginners, pros, beatmakers, and songwriters will all find sounds they love. Read on for more details about Arturia’s amazing software.

V Collection

Reference Instruments for Music Makers

V Collection has been at the core of Arturia’s vintage synthesizer and keyboard emulations for well over a decade. In recent versions, V Collection’s sound library has expanded to include a comprehensive selection of software instruments used for music, sound design, and experimentation. You get over 30 individual instruments with vintage staples such as CS-80 V, Jup-8 V, and DX7 V, as well as the new-school sounds of Analog Lab V, Augmented STRINGS, and Augmented VOICES. Plus, V Collection includes 9,000 mix-ready presets for almost any musical style.

Arturia designs V Collection for producers, beatmakers, composers, and anyone else who needs true-to-life vintage tones, cutting-edge VSTs, and flexible workflows in a single place.

V Collection Features:

Comes with 33 stunning virtual instrumentsVintage synthesizer re-creations: Korg MS-20 V, CS-80 V, Jup-8 V, and moreIconic keyboard emulations: Stage-73 V, Mellotron V, Piano V, and moreModern virtual instruments: Analog Lab V, Augmented STRINGS, and more9,000 professionally designed presets give you excellent results in no timeIncludes tutorials

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Augmented Series

Acoustic Instruments — Reinvented

The Augmented Series of virtual instruments combines world-class samples with advanced synthesis and expressive controls. These virtual instruments flaunt an entirely new approach to hybrid sound design. The Augmented Series includes four titles: Augmented STRINGS, Augmented VOICES, Augmented GRAND PIANO, and Augmented BRASS.

If you’re a composer or producer who wants to work with traditional orchestral and instrument sounds with a modern, experimental edge, then the Augmented Series is for you.

Augmented Series Features:

A selection of hybrid instruments with high-quality samplesDetailed synth engines deliver a modern soundExpressive macro controls, morphing, and customizable modulation toolsIncludes built-in effects

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Pigments

An Infinite Sonic Spectrum

Arturia hits the nail squarely on the head when saying that Pigments “lets you explore every shade of synthesis.” This soft synth is designed for experimentation. A synthesist can use multiple synthesis engines, click-and-drag patch creation, and other audio customization tools for plumbing the sonic depths to their heart’s content. All that sonic potential is wrapped up in an engaging color-coded workflow that makes it easier than ever to design complex patches. Pigments is a first-call synth for adventurous musicians and producers because it delivers virtual analog, wavetable, granular, and additive synthesis with equal aplomb. And it has built-in modulation, effects, and sequencing options to take its potential to the next level.

Pigments is an excellent tool for two types of music makers: Beginners love it because it’s an all-in-one tool for comprehensive synthesis and sound design. Professional producers leverage Pigments’ colorful and supermassive sounds for trap, EDM, bass, and many more applications.

Pigments Features:

Clean and intuitive synthesis plug-inIncludes five sound engines: Virtual Analog, Wavetable, Granular, Harmonic, and UtilityColor-coded workflow makes it easy to build complex patchesBuilt-in effects, sequencing, and audio routing increase the plug-in’s flexibilityOver 1,000 presets curated for modern audio production

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Arturia Lab Range Hardware

Use an Arturia Lab range controller to get more hands-on with your music. Lab range controllers supply the perfect blend of flexibility, fun, and creativity. The range extends from the compact and portable MiniLab 3 to the awe-inspiring KeyLab 88 MkII. Arturia’s Lab range hardware controllers are suitable for any setup — whether that’s making beats, controlling synths, or dominating a DAW. Let’s check them out.

MiniLab 3

A Universal Compact Music-making Controller

As the smallest and most affordable Lab controller, the MiniLab 3 is a plug-and-play MIDI keyboard. It’s super portable and works well with DAW-based workflows. This 25-key controller crams multiple useful functions in one place. It can act as a DAW controller, a MIDI keyboard, or as an arpeggiator for software synths and MIDI hardware. Plus, the compact footprint saves space in your setup. MiniLab 3 includes a selection of software to help you get up and running.

MiniLab 3 is an excellent choice for new music makers, musicians with limited real estate, or anyone who wants to experiment with software sounds without breaking the bank. This is the ideal compact controller to spark your creativity.

MiniLab 3 Features:

25-key compact keyboard controllerEight velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads, eight encoders, four sliders, and two pitch and mod stripsBuilt-in arpeggiator, chord mode, and hold functionConnectivity: USB-C, MIDI output, and expression pedal inputIncludes a massive software bundleComes with an eco-focused design and 5-year warranty

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KeyLab Essential mk3

Streamlined, Intuitive Keyboard Controllers

KeyLab Essential mk3 controllers flaunt a focused selection of must-have controls and creative features that are all but guaranteed to streamline your workflow. These keyboard controllers are available with 49 or 61 keys. You get everything you need for a simple and engaging playing experience. The keybeds are comfortable and responsive. The DAW-integrated tools let you adjust parameters in the computer without needing a mouse. And finally, the thoughtful control layout makes everything incredibly intuitive.

KeyLab Essential mk3 is a good choice for beginners who need more keys than their first keyboard. Or, if your studio could use a new DAW and MIDI controller, then KeyLab Essential mk3 helps you make it happen.

KeyLab Essential mk3 Features:

Velocity-sensitive keys deliver a hybrid synth-piano feelStreamlined control layout simplifies your workflowControl your DAW with custom scripts or MCU/HUI protocolsConnectivity: MIDI out, USB-C, control pedal input (sustain, expression, or footswitch)Seamlessly integrates with Analog Lab V (included)Comes with a premium software bundleAvailable with 49 or 61 keys

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KeyLab Essential 88

Full-range DAW Controller and MIDI Keyboard

KeyLab Essential 88 is a member of the first generation of KeyLab Essential controllers. It delivers all the groundbreaking functionality, flexibility, and creator-focused operation as its smaller counterparts with a full 88-note range.

KeyLab Essential 88 is a great option for musicians and producers who need the DAW-compatible flexibility of the KeyLab range and desire the familiar full-size feel of a piano or a full-size keyboard or workstation.

KeyLab Essential 88 Features:

Hybrid synth-piano keybed with 88 velocity-sensitive keysSleek control layout turbocharges your workflowEffortlessly integrates with Analog Lab V (included)Connectivity: MIDI out, USB, sustain pedal inputIncludes a premium software bundle

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KeyLab MkII

Comprehensive Controllers for Any Musical Situation

Arturia’s KeyLab MkII is a robust and comprehensive controller that helps you take control of your favorite DAW plug-ins or a Eurorack setup. Three models are available with your choice of 49, 61, or 88 keys. Whichever KeyLab MkII you choose, you’ll receive all the controls, connection options, and expressive tools needed to make amazing music. The KeyLab MkII is an all-around high performer that ticks almost every box. 

KeyLab MkII is the ideal choice for producers and adventurous musicians who want hands-on control over their DAW software, hardware synths, or modular gear. Plus, the 88-key version comes with a hammer-action keybed for music makers who prefer a real-deal piano feel.

KeyLab MkII Features:

High-quality keybed with velocity and aftertouch16 backlit performance pads, nine faders and rotary knobs, transport switches, command switches, modulation wheel, and pitch-bend wheelConnectivity: USB, MIDI, CV, and pedal inputsShips with a music-making software bundleSeamlessly integrates with Analog Lab V (included)49-, 61-, and 88-key versions are available

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Everyone Can Make Music with the Arturia Lab Range

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer, a beatmaker or a sound designer, or just need high-quality sounds and an expressive controller, the Arturia Lab range is the way to go. The world-class plug-ins and software titles are mainstays in the industry, and aside from providing hands-on control over your DAW, the keyboard controllers provide a thrilling playing experience. If you need help identifying which Arturia Lab range product is right for you, call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700. We’re happy to help.
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